Meet Anthony Navarro of Liven It Up Events in Fulton Market

Anthony, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far. I have always been in the hospitality industry. I literally grew up in the business. My family owned a restaurant, which then led to more restaurants, hotel, and banquet and conference center. Thanks to my grandmother, my Nonni, she taught me the ins and outs of the business and how to take care of people. Once I graduated from DePaul University, I began my journey in hospitality by working in hotels, then in restaurants to off premise catering. I knew, coming from a family of entrepreneurs that I wanted to own my own business one day. I also knew that I wanted to do what I loved and what I was passionate about, helping people celebrate important life moments.

With some hard work, a little inspiration from an episode of the Oprah Winfrey Show, I started on the journey called, Liven It Up Events. A journey of blessings and lessons, I could never have imagined, I have been so lucky to have had such a great experience working with families, couples, and companies to create and craft one of a kind event. This year, Liven It Up Events turns 10 and we are excited for the adventure to continue.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you? If you talk to any business owner, there are always bumps in the road. That is part of becoming better at what you do and just a better person. The largest challenge I think I had was growing the company. I realized at a certain point, I needed help. I could not handle the volume of inquiries coming through, so being able to bring a team together to assist and work with clients, but also shifting my role from a solo act to team leader. It took time, but I am so lucky I have and had, such incredible people to work with me. Surround yourself with great people and greatness will occur!

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Liven It Up Events – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others. Liven It Up Events is a full-service wedding and event planning company. We produce everything from weddings, to corporate events, to social events. We work with clients from simply Day of Coordination to Full Service planning where we assist with all aspects of the event. We are mostly known for creating events in unique spaces including (but never limited to!) warehouses, lofts, art galleries, museums, historical buildings, and so forth. We also work in hotels and traditional venues as well, just more often, the clients we attract are looking for a venue that is a little different.

So, what’s next? Any big plans? Right now, we are elated to be celebrating 10 years! Once we get through season 10, we will see where the road takes us. The biggest change we have made is moving our office from Lincoln Park to The Fulton Market District. It was sad to leave our home on the north side but excited to be a part of such an active neighborhood!

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Local StoriesSeptember 17, 2018

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